The Wonders
of Physics
Prof. Clint Sprott
Department of Physics
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Presented to the
Physics Board of Visitors
in Madison, WI
on May 3, 2013
Genesis of WoP
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Inspired by “Chemistry Can be
Fun” (Bassam Shakhashiri)
First presentation – Feb 1984
Overflow crowd ~500 people
Press and TV coverage
Second year ~800 people
In 2013 ~3000 people (10
shows over two weekends)
Traveling show began in 1988
Philosophy of WoP
Make entertaining
presentations to audiences
that would not normally be
motivated to attend a lecture
on physics.
The Approach of WoP
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Dramatic demonstrations,
fast-paced, minimal
explanations
Entertain first, education
second
Encourage interaction and
curiosity
Emphasize phenomena, not
facts
Appeal to a cross-section of
ages, education, and interests
The Presentation
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Scheduling and publicity
Tickets / ushers / handouts
Costumes
Dramatic entrance
Audience participation
Special guests
Live or recorded music
Videotaping
Dramatic ending
Laboratory tours
Topics
Motion
 Heat
 Sound
 Electricity
 Magnetism
 Light
 Modern Physics
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Sample Themes
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Chaos and Randomness
Physics of the Weather
Physics of the Body
Physics of Energy
Physics of Flying
Physics of Transportation
States of Matter
Physics of Water
Physics of the Cosmos
Physics of Sports
Physics of the Arts
Spinoffs
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Traveling shows (>1000)
Videos (30 hours)
Computer software
Demonstration book
Written handouts
Lecture Kit
Annual Integration Bee
Teacher’s workshops
Radio and TV interviews
Web sites
Traveling Show
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Over 1000 shows in 25 yrs
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Mostly precollege schools
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Full-time person – Mike Randall
(supported by US National
Science Foundation &
Department of Energy)
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Donations ($100-400) requested
per show
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Some corporate donors
Physics Demonstrations
Book
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300-page full color book containing 85
demonstrations used in The Wonders
of Physics published by UW Press in
2006
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Book contains 2 DVDs with 3 hours of
demonstrations before a live
audience.
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Favorably reviewed in Physics Today
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>5000 copies sold
Videos
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30 hours of video from past years now on DVD
and streamed on the Web
(http://sprott.info/wop.htm#videos)
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Very detailed statistics on usage
(http://mediastreamer.doit.wisc.edu/stats/physics
103/windowsmedia/all_dates/):
Web Survey Results
• Number of responses: 342 (229 parents, 51 teachers, 62 others)
• What seen: 238 public show, 51 traveling show, 27 both, 21 videos only
• On average the first show was seen 3 years ago.
• On average the respondents have seen 3 shows.
• 97% of the respondents found the presentation clearly audible.
• 94% of the respondents found the presentation clearly visible.
• 4% thought it was too short, and 4% thought it was too long.
• 7% thought it was too simple, and 4% thought it was too difficult.
• 97% learned something about physics from the presentation.
• 68% learned something about plasmas from the presentation.
• 91% were encouraged to study more physics by the presentation.
• Awareness:
• Annual show: 60%
• Traveling show: 26%
• Website: 34%
• Videos: 19%
• Lecture Kit: 7%
• Demo Book: 11%
• Software: 4%
• The surveyed audience was 54% male and 46% female.
• The surveyed audience was 78% Caucasian and 22% minority.
• 242 comments were left.
Recent Activities
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13 monthly WMTV (NBC) Sunday
morning live science demonstrations
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WID Super Science Saturdays
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6th annual Department Physics Fair
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Expanded Web presence (including an
automatic booking system)
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Satellite programs in Appleton, De Pere,
Milwaukee, River Falls, and Superior, WI
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Creation of a Physics Volunteer Corps
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Physics of Plasma show development
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Assessment of results
Needs and Concerns
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Stable source of funding
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More faculty involvement
References
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http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/
lectures/wop-bov.htm
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http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/
wop.htm
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sprott@physics.wisc.edu